We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on December 28, 2000. Heather wrote about what this new year would be like. It’s interesting to look back now ten months into 2021 and see where we are!
Prayer: Creator, shepherd, and mothering God, bring us together. Gather your children so that we might praise you with happiness and thanksgiving. Amen. Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther’s GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This has been a really tough year. Coronavirus, the contentious elections, too many cases of injustice and prejudice, hurt and divisions, (fill in the blank). The sense of being lost and scattered in this passage is easy to relate to. The holidays did not look or feel like those of the past. How many jokes did you used to hear complaining about the traditional Christmas parties and unavoidable visits with relatives? But in 2020, friends could not gather. No office parties. Families had to make do with a Zoom screen or a phone call. But once again, God assures things will get better. And absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I think for many people, this year has been a lesson in reassessing what matters most in our lives. Family. Friendships. Hugs. Time. I have heard of grand parties being planned, road trips to reconnect with far-flung loved ones, reunions to make up for postponed celebrations. Here is to 2021! I look forward to a new year with the hope of revitalized relationships, community healing, and a little more of God’s will being lived on earth as it is in heaven. --Heather Wolf
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
Anyone is welcome to contribute! If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail [email protected] Email
Get our daily devotions delivered to your e-mail box each day by signing up below:
Archives
May 2022
Subscribe |